[Pmount]

What are the reasons people here have painted driveways? Is it purely for the good looks or did it start for a "reason"? Does the pollen make the concrete dark and stained? In past homes all over the country I have always done my garage to make it easy to clean and nicer looking. In AL I did power wash the driveway a couple times maybe out of boredom or just to clean it up. You don't see this in normal cities, seems to be a retirement thing but it does look nice.

Phil

[MikeV]

We did it because of the discoloration of the cement. Knowing now that the cement is not the best I would do pavers. The cement they use chips, cracks and pits with age so the painted driveway while looking good shows the chips etc much more.

[Pmount]

Here in southern MN the rock they use in the concrete will actually explode and leave holes in the concrete or just suddenly break and leave a hole, just happened in my painted garage floor, upsetting for sure

[applesoffh]

Originally Posted by MikeV

We did it because of the discoloration of the cement. Knowing now that the cement is not the best I would do pavers. The cement they use chips, cracks and pits with age so the painted driveway while looking good shows the chips etc much more.

That's the reason we had ours painted. The concrete was stained shortly after it was poured due to heavy rain coming off the roof. we had leaders and gutters installed then decided to do the driveway.

[jebartle]

A friend told me that he was spending his kids inheritance, giggle!

[graciegirl]

I have seen several that were just beautiful, but don't choose to want ours painted. Some look real haggard and aged after being here for awhile. And so do driveways.


Matter of personal taste,


I am a big fan now of painted (epoxied) garage floor. The garage is your basement and storage room and the epoxy makes it easier to clean and makes it look more finished.

MaryB has the most beautiful driveway a person could wish for and it matches her nautical décor.

[Pmount]

Yes, I like the garage done, just figuring out if I want to take that next step. . Nice that once we move in- I guess we have to buy first- we can decidebut I know I will do the garage right away!

[sesack1]

It is really a good idea. If you have it done right, it will seal the concrete and keep the concrete from getting soft and stained from auto fluids and tire dirt. It will be much easier to clean. Decorated driveways also make your house different from others and make the neighborhood more classy. Also easier to find your house after going to the town square. I used Edison concretions and am very happy with my painted driveway. Be Happy

[villagetinker]

We used a clear coating (Sherwin Williams) with shark skin to coat the garage. This give a wet look to the concrete, and the shark skin keeps it from being slippery. As stated above, easy clean up. NOTE: be sure what you want, in many cases it is difficult to recoat or change a coating once applied.
As for the driveway, we waited for 18 months, then decided to have the driveway "stained"/painted. Driveways by Jay did the work, and Jay is a true artist. The result was better then I could have ever imagined.
Hope this helps.

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by Pmount

What are the reasons people here have painted driveways? Is it purely for the good looks or did it start for a "reason"? Does the pollen make the concrete dark and stained? In past homes all over the country I have always done my garage to make it easy to clean and nicer looking. In AL I did power wash the driveway a couple times maybe out of boredom or just to clean it up. You don't see this in normal cities, seems to be a retirement thing but it does look nice.



Phil

Overindulgence is the norm here. But, it does look nice.

[Challenger]

Live in a CYV. We can paint our driveways , but had to get agreement from residents on one color/ with specks, plain with a beige hew. Those that have chosen to paint look somewhat better than bare concrete, which has stains from tires , plants, oil and other eements. Painted becomes slippery when rain comes. Not a serious problem.

With no design elements allowed on driveways we have a very neat look throughout the neighborhood

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by MikeV

We did it because of the discoloration of the cement. Knowing now that the cement is not the best I would do pavers. The cement they use chips, cracks and pits with age so the painted driveway while looking good shows the chips etc much more.

Good point about the chips and cracks. We used Amy Newsome Concrete Designs and she will repair her work for 10 years under warranty. As a matter of fact, she is in my driveway right now repairing the little triangle piece in the corner that broke. We had T&D come by and pour new concrete (which they also did for no charge) and she is fixing the paint to look like new. We had ours done over a year ago. If you paint, use Amy. Not only quality work, but she obviously stands behind it.

[capecoralbill]

Just bite the bullet and get pavers, it is what you really want. One post above said they needed an approval for the color, but patterns or images, initials and other personalizations were not allowed. I think a neutral solid or speckled paint would look ok.

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by RickeyD

Overindulgence is the norm here. But, it does look nice.

Leaked golf cart batteries blemished the concrete and it could not be cleaned. Painting vs. pavers for my home had a $$$$ of $4,500 difference. As for "tacky", it depends.

[Pmount]

So there must be two different ways to do this. Paint or an epoxy of some sort. I use a two part epoxy in my garage. Yes I think either could be slick when wet. I always put a traction compound in the garage mix, assume it is an option here too. Maybe I will get lucky and find a preowned already done. Appreciate all the responses, I learn new stuff everyday on here!